Rumer Willis Opens Up About California Dad Bruce Willis’ Dementia and Her Own Genetic Concerns: ‘It’s Terrifying’
California actor Bruce Willis‘ daughter Rumer Willis has taken steps to protect her health following her dad’s February 2023 frontotemporal dementia (FTD) diagnosis. His family has spent the past few years learning about and adapting to the rapidly occurring symptoms and changes that come with caring for their loved one.
During this time, Rumer Willis shares that it has left her with a lot of time to contemplate her own health and family genetics, and after looking into them, she realized that it was time to take matters into her own hands. “I don’t think it’s really an option anymore to not be proactive,” the 38-year-old actress told People Magazine.
Bruce Willis Daughter Rumer Willis Undergoes Extensive Genetic Testing
Over the years, the family of Bruce Willis has dedicated themselves to uniting as a strong family unit to provide the actor with the best loving, caring atmosphere possible. Bruce is constantly surrounded by his loving family members, including his wife, Emma Heming Willis, their two daughters, Mabel and Evelyn, as well as his former wife, actress Demi Moore, and their daughters Rumer, Scout, and Tallulah Willis.
During this time, Rumer Willis shares that she has given a lot of thought and concern to her own health and admits to her family’s past health issues and complicated genetics being more than a little concerning. So she has undergone extensive genetic testing in hopes of improving her health and extending her life, in the hope of being around as long as possible for her young daughter.
Rumer shares on Instagram that she has recently partnered with Function, a health membership that offers more than 160 advanced lab tests, imaging, and specialized assessments. Because of her father’s FTD diagnosis, she was drawn to the company’s APOE genetic test to determine her risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
In a recent exclusive interview with People, Rumer stated, “It’s terrifying to get answers sometimes. Obviously there are genetic things in my family. Not just dementia. I’ve had some family members who have had breast cancer and family members who have had different things. But I think when you have information, it’s power,” she says.
Facing The Scary Truth With Knowledge And Facts
During her interview and social media share, Rumer describes her experience with the lab. She reveals undergoing an APOE test that specifically tests for your risk for Alzheimer’s. Closer adds that Rumer revealed her results as being a 3/4, which is considered average and indicates a slight risk. It indicates genetic susceptibility. However, it does not diagnose Alzheimer’s or predict with certainty whether someone will develop it.
“OK, maybe I’m more predisposed to this. You can just start actively working to reduce inflammation in your body, work on heart health, whatever it is. That’s why it’s been so amazing to be able to track a lot of those things with Function.” Rumer admits that even before her dad’s diagnosis, she had always tried to maintain her health. Her brain health, gut health, and reproductive health were always a major priority for her.
However, since giving birth to her daughter, Louetta, it has become even more important to her. As a mother, she indicates that she wants to do everything within her power to maintain her health to be there for her child. “I think health is one of those things that we take for granted until we don’t have it,” she adds.
What Is Function?
According to the World Health Organization, more than 10 million people are diagnosed with dementia each year. Per the WHO, Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common form of dementia and accounts for 60-70 percent of all cases.
Function is a membership-based service that is a direct-to-consumer lab testing platform that provides access to advanced biomarkers outside the traditional insurance framework. Services and fees range from a Base Membership of $365 to $499 per year (charged annually), which includes a baseline panel of over 100 general health lab tests checked twice a year.
Other memberships include Alzheimer’s Early Detection Add-on: $799. Brain Injury and Degeneration Add-on: $249. Alzheimer’s Genetic Risk Add-on: $129. Organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association recommend that advanced biomarker screening be conducted primarily for individuals already experiencing early cognitive symptoms, and always alongside a comprehensive neurological examination by a doctor.
Joann covers high-profile industry features, investigative entertainment stories, and long-form trending media profiles. She has 15 years of experience in the online news vertical.
